Identify the Words and Phrases Which Convey the Sense of Time

Identify the words and phrases in the poem which convey the sense of time, and its working in human life.

William Butler Yeats’ (1865-1939) poem “When You Are Old” (1893) reflects on the passage of time and how it shapes human life. The poet explores how time changes a person’s appearance and emotions as they grow older. This sense of time is captured beautifully through words and images.

In the very first line, the phrase “When you are old and grey and full of sleep” sets the stage for the passage of time. It suggests old age, tiredness, and the slowing down of life. The words “old,” “grey,” and “full of sleep” show how time changes the body and mind.

The line “And nodding by the fire” hints at the passage of time as the person grows older and becomes more relaxed, perhaps reminiscing about the past. The phrase “take down this book” suggests that the past can still be revisited, but it is a different experience now that time has passed.